Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a dig at Pakistan in his opening remark at the SCO summit on Tuesday. The online summit is joined by member countries including China, Pakistan, Russia, etc. Participating countries will discuss key issues including regional security, economic connectivity and trade. The meeting will also pave way for the inclusion of Iran and open opportunity for Belarus' membership.

The virtual summit is joined by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and other leaders of member countries. 

Chinese President Xi calls for efforts by SCO countries to safeguard regional peace

During the virtual 23rd meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State (CHS), Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance for member countries to prioritize regional peace, common security, and pragmatic cooperation to expedite economic recovery. President Xi also highlighted the significance of upholding multilateralism and enhancing global governance in his address.

No dilution in the objectives: Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said

"There are a number of factors that go behind the decision in holding a Summit - in this case, the virtual summit. This in no way insinuates the dilution in the objectives that we are trying to seek from the SCO Summit," foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said

PM Modi underlined India's contribution to SCO: Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra

"You all would have heard PM Modi's remarks. To briefly capture a sense of it, PM underlined India's contribution to SCO, especially in the last 6 years, as a Member State...highlighted the need to work together to eliminate the menace of terrorism in the region & globally...Fight against terrorism as the basic mandate of SCO still remains a central goal of SCO something that was underlined by the PM and echoed in the room by the other countries," Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said. 

Indian PM Modi on terrorism

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asserted that "there must not be any double standards in combating terrorist activities" and the SCO "must not hesitate to criticise countries that support cross-border terrorism as part of state policy".

"Terrorism has become a threat to regional and global peace," PM Modi said while addressing the India-led SCO summit.
"We have to fight together against terrorism that may be in any form and any manifestation," PM Modi added. 

SCO seeks to expand reach with inclusion of Iran

Shaghai Cooperation Organisation is seeking to expand its influence and counter Western impact, convened a virtual summit attended by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russia's President Vladimir Putin, China's President Xi Jinping, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and leaders from four central Asian countries. 

During the proceedings, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi actively participated as Tehran prepared to become the ninth member of the SCO on Tuesday. Additionally, Belarus is set to sign a memorandum of obligations, paving the way for its future membership in the organization.

Putin says Russia is 'united as never before'

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday projected confidence and said Russia is ‘united as ever before.’ While speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit virtually Putin said SCO is “playing an increasingly significant role in international affairs, making a real contribution to maintaining peace and stability, ensuring sustainable economic growth of the participating states, and strengthening ties between peoples."

'Hydra-headed monster' of terrorism must be fought with full vigour, conviction: Pak PM

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the urgent need to combat terrorism and extremism in all its forms. He referred to these issues as a "hydra-headed monster," highlighting their complex and multifaceted nature. Sharif stressed that this battle must be waged with utmost determination and belief, regardless of whether acts of terrorism and extremism are perpetrated by individuals, groups, or even at the state level.

“The hydra-headed monster of terrorism and extremism — whether committed by individuals, societies or states — must be fought with full vigour and conviction. Any temptation to use it as a cudgel for diplomatic point-scoring must be avoided under all circumstances," Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said.

“Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including state terrorism, must be condemned in clear and unambiguous terms. There can be no justification for the killing of innocent people regardless of the cause or pretext."

China President Xi Jinping urges members to boost ties and resist sanctions

China's President Xi Jinping encouraged the leaders of Russia, Iran, and other member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to strengthen their relationships and resist sanctions. Xi emphasized the importance of safeguarding regional peace and ensuring collective security, urging SCO members to strengthen their unity and solidarity, as reported by state news agency Xinhua.

During the same meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his gratitude to the SCO for their support during a recent uprising that ultimately failed. This rebellion was led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary group, against the Kremlin. It was Putin's first summit since the mutiny took place, and he took the opportunity to acknowledge the SCO's backing during this challenging time.

SCO summit: 'The Russian people are consolidated as never before,' said Vladimir Putin

In the ongoing SCO summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, "The Russian people are consolidated as never before." 

“Russian political circles and the whole of society clearly demonstrated their unity and elevated sense of responsibility for the fate of the Fatherland when they responded as a united front against an attempted armed mutiny."

"There should be no double standards on terrorism," PM Modi at SCO summit

While addressing the SCO summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, targeted Pakistan for its active role in terrorism. He called on member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to not hesitate to condemn countries that use cross-border terrorism as 'policy instruments' and shelter terrorists.

"Some countries use cross-border terrorism as an instrument of their policies and give shelter to terrorists," said Prime Minister Modi. 

SCO Summit: Kazakhstan's president Tokayev proposes closer energy coopertion

Kazakhstan's president Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposes closer energy cooperation within the SCO organisation. He gave the statement at the virtual meeting of SCO leaders. He said that Kazakhstan was ready to host an SCO energy conference and also proposed developing a joint energy strategy for the organisation over the next year.

SCO Summit: Key highlights of PM Modi's address

During the opening remark of SCO summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised on the need to work together against terrorism for regional and global peace. He also talked about AI-based ‘Bhashini’ and congratulated Iran for joining the group.

SCO Summit:  China will work with SCO to ‘oppose protectionism’, says XI Jinping

Chinese president Xi Jinping said China "will work with SCO to ‘oppose protectionism’, reported AFP citing state media.

Indian PM Modi expresses happiness on Iran joining SCO

I am happy that Iran is going to join SCO family as new member: PM Modi.

Indian PM Modi addresses SCO summit

At the SCO Summit, PM Narendra Modi says, "We would be delighted to share India's AI-based language platform Bhashini with everyone to remove language barriers within SCO. It can become an example of digital technology and inclusive growth. SCO can become a significant voice for reforms within the UN and other global institutions. I am delighted that Iran is joining the SCO family as a new member..."

Pakistan Foreign Minister attended  SCO meeting in May this year

SCO Summit latest updates: In May, Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari visited India to attend a key multilateral meeting of the SCO in Goa in person. Notably, he was the first Pakistan foreign minister to visit India since 2011.

India to stress on anti-terrorism measures

As India will be sharing an international platform with its neighbour Pakistan, there will be special emphasis on getting some tangible outcomes in form of pledges on anti-terrorism measures, trade, financing to fight climate change, fight against drugs trade, food security and money laundering, etc.

Vladimir Putin's first public appearance after Wagner rebellion

It is worth noting that this will be Vladimir Putin's first public appearance after its mercenary force, Wagner Army, began its march towards Kremlin to topple the government. The attempt was timely thwarted after Belarus' intermediation.

Kazakhstan to be the next to hold presidency

After India, Kazakhstan will be the next country to hold the presidency of the block.

SCO virtual summit timings

The virtual summit is scheduled to begin at 12:30 pm and conclude at around 3 pm. The meeting is also expected to be joined by President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Source: livemint